THE PRESIDENT: I want to thank the members of my Cabinet for being here
today to discuss a lot of issues. I started off the meeting by summarizing
a series of conversations that I've had regarding the fires in Southern
California. I had a conversation with Governor Schwarzenegger. My
question to him was, are you getting what you need; are the people there in
California getting the help they need from the federal agencies to help the
good folks in California deal with these devastating fires? His answer
was, yes. I assured him that if he needs anything, then, great, we'll
provide it, we'll do so.

I also had an opportunity to thank him, as well as California officials,
for working hard to save houses, save lives. I appreciate very much the
fact that they're willing to work in a collaborative fashion with the
federal government. I've been meeting with my Cabinet secretaries that are
responsible for helping the state and local authorities fight these fires.
I will report to you that I am -- I believe the effort is well coordinated.
I know we're getting the manpower and assets on the ground that have been
requested by the state and local authorities.

I wish we could control the wind, because one of the things that's
hampering our joint capability of fighting these fires is the strong
westerly winds. I'm told the winds may be dying down soon, in which case
it will make it -- make this equipment we've got in place a lot more
effective at helping fight the fires.

I initially declared an emergency declaration, which will enable us to send
federal equipment and manpower into the scene, including Department of
Defense help. Today I've signed a major disaster declaration, which will
then enable federal funds to start heading toward the families who have
been affected by these fires.

Looking forward to going out to California tomorrow. We'll continue to
make sure that our efforts are coordinated, that we are responsive to the
needs and people. And most importantly, I want the people in Southern
California to know that Americans all across this land care deeply about
them, we're concerned about their safety, we're concerned about their
property, and we offer our prayers and hopes that all will turn out fine in
the end. In the meantime, they can rest assured that the federal
government will do everything we can to help put out these fires.